Kentucky enters peak season for collisions involving deer

Kentucky has reached peak season for deer collisions, prompting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to issue its Antler Alert.

About half of the collisions involving deer take place during the last three months of the year.

The cooler nights and shorter days put deer on the move. Autumn harvesting also contributes to the movement.

Deer aren't only hazardous to your vehicle. They additionally contribute to about 200 deaths on the highway every year.

Since 2021, 2,988 highway crashes involving deer were reported to police in Kentucky. This was an increase of about 100 crashes from 2020.

Three fatalities were reported last year, along with 25 serious injuries.

Nationally, drivers have about a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal. Kentucky is above the national average, and 18th among the states at 1 in 88.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet encourages drivers to slow down immediately after spotting a deer crossing the road; don't swerve to avoid dear, this can cause a more serious crash; always wear a seat belt; keep headlights on bright at night unless other vehicles are approaching; eliminate distractions; drive defensively; and if a crash occus, keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.